Metcalfe County Schools awarded Farm to School grant from USDA

EDMONTON, Ky.- The Metcalfe County School District will soon have more ways to get fresh food and learn about agriculture, all thanks to a large grant from the United States Department of Agriculture.

The goal of the Metcalfe County Farm to School project is to further improve access to local foods for all students and families through programming that will include local procurement, and agricultural education efforts. This is an $81,894 grant.

This means students will have even more fresh, healthy options when it comes to meals, and more ways to learn where this food comes from. More hands-on learning projects such as livestock tending, greenhouse upkeep and chicken coop maintenance will also be enhanced.

“They like to plant things and see how things grow, so just anything hands-on. Of course, some of our happiest days in class are when we actually get to eat those things. We make homemade pizza, with our fruits and vegetables. We’re looking to still incorporate those things and add some more cooking classes,” said Metcalfe County farm to school manager Lynn Hawkins.

Out of 176 grants awarded across the nation, only two were awarded in Kentucky – the Metcalfe County Schools and Need More Acres Farm in Scottsville.